CAPTURING YOUR BABY'S UNFOLDING STORY
Hello there!
Thank you for visiting this blog post, detailing what to expect at your studio Cake Smash & Splash Session with Starspeckled Hearts Photography in Aldershot, Hampshire.
Whether you've already booked and have an upcoming studio Cake Smash Session booked with me or if you're still thinking about booking and would just like to have more of an idea of what to expect on the day, please have a read through this post.
I hope you'll find it helpful!
Yasmin x
FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND
My Background I am a trained and experienced Newborn & Baby photographer with safety being my main priority at all times. My expertise and experience in handling and photographing newborns and babies will give you peace of mind that your little love is being carefully handled at all times and is in the very best of hands.
Studio Hygiene How do you clean the studio/what are your COVID-19 policies? Studio cleanliness is of the utmost importance as I am dealing with babies only days old, so you can rest assured that the studio is meticulously cleaned after every session and that props and outfits will be washed and steamed after every use. Prior to entering my studio, shoes must be removed and left outside the door. Hands must be sanitised using antibacterial gel. If you, or anyone in your household are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please get in touch to reschedule your session for a later date. Vaccinations I am up to date on all vaccines including the whooping cough vaccine.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
What is a Cake Smash & Splash session?
It is exactly as it sounds! My Cake Smash & Splash sessions are all about having fun, getting messy and letting your child have the most amazing sensory experience! My Cake Smash & Splash sessions are suitable for 1st, 2nd or even 3rd birthdays - and what better way to celebrate a birthday than by getting to smash up your very own cake?
This is such a HUGE milestone in any baby's life - they are just beginning to explore their sense of independence and individuality. They are now well aware that they are separate from you and they're all into exploring and going on their own little adventures. This stage is definitely one of my favourites to capture, I love those big gummy smiles and growing personalities!
What can I expect from the session itself? My Cake Smash & Splash sessions are split into three parts. 1. The Portrait Session This is where we get your baby settled in, giving them a bit of time to get used to me, the studio and the set-up. We will choose an outfit either from my studio wardrobe or one that you've brought along from home and get baby dressed and ready for the first set-up. This is a great time to capture some sibling and family portraits too! 2. The Cake Smash! We'll then move on to the Cake Smash! We'll get baby into their Smash outfit, which usually consists of shorts, braces and bow-ties for boys and a frilly romper and a matching tutu for girls. Alternatively, if you have an outfit of your own you would like them to wear for the Cake Smash, you're more than welcome to bring one along! 3. Splish, Splash! Now it's time to get baby squeaky clean and let them splash about in my washtub. They can either get in the tub naked or wear a swim nappy.
Where do sessions take place?
All sessions take place in my cosy garden studio, located in Aldershot, Hampshire. The studio is kept at a nice and warm temperature.
When is best time to book a Cake Smash & Splash session? As soon as you've decided you would like to book in! I tend to book up a few months in advance and it always breaks my heart to turn clients away. However, I always aim to keep a handful of spaces open for last minute bookings. Keeping in mind, I often don't have many last minute spaces available during the busier months, so please get in touch early to secure your space!
Do I have to bring any outfits for my baby along to the session?
You won't have to worry about bringing anything along. I offer a beautiful selection of high-end bespoke props, headbands, bonnets and wraps. I only use the best quality fabrics and super soft knits as I know you will want nothing but the very best for your little love! Occasionally, clients will bring sentimental items and keepsakes to include in the session. I'm always more than happy to accommodate my clients ideas so if there is anything you would like to incorporate into the session, please feel free to bring it along! It makes for a more personalised experience and those photos always end up being client favourites.
What else do I need to bring to the session?
Your baby changing bag with everything you would normally bring for a day out - milk and snacks being the most important one! I've got a baby changing mat in the studio with plenty of wipes and nappies.
I provide bottled water for my clients.
Can I request a colour scheme or a theme for the session?
Absolutely. Have you got a particular request in terms of colour scheme or theme of the shoot? Woodland, Winnie the Pooh, Nautical? If not, that's absolutely fine! Many of my clients have a clear vision of what they'd like to get out of their session, but others prefer to let me take the lead and set up something lovely for them on the day. Either way, please let me know prior to your session as I always set up the studio the night before. Click here to see some more from my recent Cake Smash & Splash sessions.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION
What happens on the day of our Cake Smash & Splash Session?
Upon arrival at the studio — we will have a browse through my studio wardrobe together, to choose your favourite outfit for the portrait photos and your favourite outfit for the cake smash. Please see "What can I expect from the session itself" above, to read a bit more about the layout of the session.
How long will our Cake Smash & Splash Session take?
My Cake Smash & Splash Sessions are typically 1 to 1.5 hours long.
How do I prepare my baby for their session? A full baby is a happy baby! I recommend feeding baby upon arrival at my studio to ensure baby is happy and content. The session is designed for us to take breaks for feeding and cuddles throughout - I always take baby's lead, as the most important thing is that you and your baby are as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Can parents and siblings get in front of the camera too? Of course! If you would like to include parents and siblings in the session, I suggest we start with the sibling portraits, followed by the family portraits. Once I'm happy with the variety of the shots, I recommend taking your older children out to the nearby park for the remainder of the session. It doesn't take long for little children to become restless and bored, which stresses the parents and in turn may end up stressing your baby!
AFTER YOUR SESSION
When do I get to view the finished images? After your session, I will go through the images and narrow down the gallery to around 25-30 images. The final images are then hand-edited and uploaded to an online, password protected viewing gallery. This process can take up to 14 days, in busy periods up to 21 days.
How will I be able to view the images? Once your images are ready for you to view, I will send you across a link and password to your online viewing gallery and you can then choose the ones you like the best as part of your package. Once you've decided on your images, the digital images will be sent across to you straight away via a download link straight from your viewing gallery. If your package includes photo prints or mounted prints, this is when you'll let me know which ones you'd like printed and sizes.
Can I purchase additional images? If you receive your viewing gallery and decide you would like to purchase additional images, you can do so at £10/image. I offer a discounted rate if clients wish to purchase the entire gallery.
About Starspeckled Hearts Photography
Hello! My name is Yasmin and I am a specialist newborn and baby photographer based in Aldershot, Hampshire - servicing the greater Surrey and Hampshire area, including Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet, Camberley, Reading, Woking, Horsham and Bracknell.
I offer newborn photoshoots, milestone photoshoots, cake smash & splash photoshoots, maternity photoshoots along with seasonal mini shoots in my fully air-conditioned boutique photography studio in Aldershot, Hampshire. I've got a wide variety of unique props and beautiful, handmade outfits, of which you will have full access to during your session - each and every photoshoot is bespoke and tailored to your specific requirements.
If you would like to book your photoshoot with me, please get in touch via one of the links below. I would love to hear from you!
To submit an enquiry or to book your session, please send me a message through my contact form here or send over an email to starspeckledphotography@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Follow me on social media!